Baby Names

650+ African Girl Names With Exotic Spellings & Wonderful Meanings

Updated on
african girl names

 

Overview

African girl names can be interesting and exotic monikers for your little girl. Your baby doesnโ€™t necessarily have to be of African descent to have these beautiful names.

Some trending choices include celebrity names (e.g., โ€œZendayaโ€) or those that are featured in movies (e.g., Disney princess name โ€œTianaโ€ of โ€œThe Princess and the Frogโ€).

You can find more choices below for the most popular, rare, or unique names for baby girls with meanings.

 

The Best African Baby Girl Names & Meanings (Arranged By Category)

  1. Abeni (African – Yoruban and Akan) – Rainbow baby name meaning โ€œsomeone who is prayed forโ€
  2. Adabelle (African, Hebrew, and German girl name) – โ€œOldest daughter,โ€ โ€œadornment,โ€ or โ€œnobleโ€
  3. Amara (AfricanIgbo, Latin, Sanskrit, and Italian girl name) – Name that means โ€œgrace,โ€ โ€œmercy,โ€ or โ€œkindnessโ€
  4. Armani (African, Persian, and Italian name) – โ€œDesireโ€ or โ€œfaithโ€
  5. Bashira (AfricanSwahili and Arabic girl name) – โ€œPredictor of good newsโ€ or โ€œjoyfulโ€
  6. Becca (African – Bobangi, American, and Latin) – โ€œPredict,โ€ โ€œto forecast,โ€ or โ€œborrowโ€; can also be a nickname for the biblical girl name โ€œRebeccaโ€ 
  7. Behati (African – Afrikaans) – โ€œBlessingโ€; after Namibian model Behati Prinsloo (wife of Maroon 5 lead vocalist Adam Levine)
  8. Dhakiya (AfricanKenyan) – Long name for girls meaning โ€œsmartโ€
  9. Jamelle (AfricanSwahili and American gender-neutral name) – โ€œOne of great beautyโ€
  10. Johari (AfricanSwahili, Hindi, and Urdu) – โ€œGem,โ€ โ€œjewel,โ€ or โ€œsomething of valueโ€
  11. Lateefah (North African and Arabic) – โ€œGentle and pleasantโ€
  12. Mahari (AfricanNigerian and Hindi) – โ€œOne who is forgivingโ€ or โ€œdivine maidenโ€
  13. Maizah (African and Arabic) – โ€œOne who has good judgmentโ€
  14. Safara (AfricanSwahili and Kenyan) – Name that means โ€œfireโ€
  15. Semira (African and Hebrew) – โ€œHighest heavenโ€
  16. Tiana (African American, Slavic, and Russian girl name) – Disneyโ€™s first official African American princess
  17. Zendaya (African – Zimbabwean and Zambian) – โ€œBe thankfulโ€ or โ€œto give thanks to Godโ€

 

What Are Cute & Lovely Black Girl Names?

  1. Abana (African and Hebrew) – Biblical name meaning โ€œone of the rivers in Damascus (the capital of Syria)โ€
  2. Adebola (African) – โ€œHonor is brought to herโ€ or โ€œshe met honorโ€
  3. Ayah (African and Arabic) – โ€œMiracleโ€ or โ€œsign of Godโ€™s existenceโ€
  4. Daisha (African and English) – โ€œThe one who is aliveโ€
  5. Dalila (African and Arabic) – โ€œDesired,โ€ โ€œfragile,โ€ or โ€œdelicateโ€
  6. Ixia (African girl name) – Flower name for girls that means โ€œpine thistleโ€ or โ€œcorn lilyโ€ 
  7. Kamari (African and Arabic) – Name that means โ€œmoonโ€
  8. Kamaria (African) – โ€œBright like the moonโ€
  9. Makenna (Irish and African girl name) – โ€œAbundanceโ€ or โ€œhappy oneโ€
  10. Mandisa (African and Egyptian) – โ€œSweetโ€
  11. Nayla (Tunisian – African) – โ€œSuccessful,โ€ โ€œthe achiever,โ€ or โ€œattainer (one who accomplishes things in life)โ€
  12. Quanesha (African-American) – โ€œLifeโ€ or โ€œsingingโ€
  13. Tinecia (African) – โ€œGod is with usโ€
  14. Winta (African) – โ€œDesireโ€ or โ€œdream giftโ€

 

Eye-Catching African Names For Girls

  1. Abraha – โ€œGirl born on a Tuesdayโ€
  2. Adaeh – โ€œCrowned, โ€œpinnacle of a peak,โ€ or โ€œchosenโ€
  3. Babetta – โ€œForeign womanโ€
  4. Badriya – โ€œLike the full moonโ€
  5. Chibueze – โ€œWhere God is the kingโ€
  6. Firyali – โ€œExtraordinaryโ€ or โ€œunusualโ€
  7. Kuron – โ€œGiving thanksโ€
  8. Mariatu – โ€œInnocentโ€ or โ€œone who is pureโ€
  9. Nantale – โ€œTotem of the lionโ€
  10. Safari – โ€œAn expeditionโ€ or โ€œa journeyโ€; might be better suited for use as a middle name

 

Legendary African Names From Mythology

  1. Achebe – โ€œOne protected by the goddessโ€
  2. Lissa – โ€œSupreme mother goddessโ€ in African mythology
  3. Masara – Fantasy name meaning โ€œmagical womanโ€
  4. Mumbi – โ€œMother of the peopleโ€ or โ€œcreatorโ€
  5. Nalorie – Goddess of the earth
  6. Osa – โ€œThe goddessโ€ or โ€œthe one closer to Godโ€
  7. Oya – Goddess of the under river

 

Strong & Powerful African Names For Girls

  1. Ahnika (African) – โ€œBeautiful ornamentโ€ or โ€œruler of the houseโ€
  2. Aiysha (African and Arabic) – โ€œPowerful and completeโ€ or โ€œprosperousโ€
  3. Amandla (African) – โ€œPowerful womanโ€
  4. Amari (African, Latin, and Hebrew) – โ€œImmortalโ€ or โ€œpossesses great strengthโ€
  5. Dalma (African, Hungarian, and Latin) – โ€œMade of metalโ€ or โ€œone from Dalmatia (now a part of Croatia)โ€
  6. Diata (African) – โ€œBrave as a lionโ€
  7. Eshe (African and Egyptian) – โ€œImmortalโ€
  8. Gasira (AfricanKenyan) – โ€œBraveโ€
  9. Jabari (AfricanSwahili) – โ€œBrave oneโ€ 
  10. Jadwiga (African, German, and Polish name) – โ€œFighting a battleโ€ or โ€œsafety in battleโ€
  11. Jelani (African and American unisex name) – โ€œMightyโ€ and โ€œstrongโ€
  12. Kacela (African) – โ€œGreat huntressโ€
  13. Kimonia (African) – โ€œGreat womanโ€
  14. Nichelle (African, American, and Hebrew) – โ€œLike Godโ€
  15. Nontle (African) – โ€œThe ruler of the deep seaโ€ or โ€œbeautyโ€™s motherโ€

 

African Girl Names (Based On Meanings)

Whatโ€™s Beautiful In African Names?

  1. Adamma (AfricanIgbo) – โ€œBeautiful girlโ€ or โ€œchild of beautyโ€
  2. Alika (AfricanNigerian and Swahili or Hawaiian girl name) – โ€œMost beautifulโ€
  3. Amahle (AfricanZulu) – โ€œThe prettiest,โ€ โ€œthe finest,โ€ or โ€œthe beautiful onesโ€
  4. Amurta (African) – โ€œBeautifulโ€ or โ€œambrosiaโ€ (drink that supposedly gives immortality)
  5. Ashaki (Western African) – โ€œOne who is beautifulโ€
  6. Calista (African and Greek girl name) – โ€œMost beautifulโ€
  7. Delu (African – Hausa) – โ€œThe one and only beautiful girlโ€
  8. Fara (African and Arabic) – โ€œBeautiful,โ€ โ€œlovely,โ€ โ€œjoyful,โ€ or โ€œreason for rejoicingโ€
  9. Haiba (African and Arabic) – โ€œAttractiveโ€ or โ€œcharmโ€
  10. Haseena (AfricanSwahili and Arabic) – โ€œPrettyโ€ or โ€œbeautifulโ€
  11. Jahmelia (African) – โ€œBeautiful African womanโ€
  12. Jameila (African) – โ€œShe who is beautifulโ€
  13. Kimani (African – Kukiyu) – โ€œBeautiful and sweetโ€
  14. Kitoko (African nonbinary name) – โ€œHolder of the beautyโ€
  15. Maha (African and Arabic) – โ€œBeautiful eyes,โ€ โ€œsplendid,โ€ โ€œhalf-moon,โ€ or a nature name meaning โ€œgazelleโ€
  16. Zaila (African and Arabic) – โ€œBeautiful, โ€œgood-looking,โ€ โ€œcharming,โ€ โ€œpower,โ€ and โ€œmightโ€
  17. Zuri (AfricanSwahili) – โ€œBeautifulโ€ or โ€œgoodโ€

 

African Girl Names That Mean Blessing Or Gift

  1. Addiah (AfricanSwahili and Hebrew) – โ€œGift from Godโ€ or โ€œornament of Godโ€
  2. Anaya (African and Sanskrit) – โ€œBlessing of Godโ€ or โ€œgracefulโ€
  3. Ashida (African, Arabic, and Japanese name) – โ€œBlessings from Godโ€ or โ€œrice fieldโ€
  4. Ayaan (African, Indian, and Arabic) – โ€œGift of Godโ€ or โ€œgood luckโ€
  5. Babette (African and French girl name) – โ€œPromise of Godโ€ or โ€œmy God is plentifulโ€
  6. Bunme (African) – โ€œA gift thatโ€™s mineโ€
  7. Chinue (African – Ibo) – โ€œGod‘s blessingโ€
  8. Chipo (African) – โ€œA giftโ€
  9. Efuru (African) – โ€œBlessedโ€ or โ€œdaughter of heavenโ€
  10. Fabee (African and Arabic) – โ€œBlessingโ€ or โ€œfavorโ€
  11. Fabunni (African) – โ€œGiven to me by Godโ€
  12. Hadaya (African and Arabic) – โ€œGiftโ€
  13. Hibo (Eastern African – Somalian) – โ€œGiftโ€
  14. Inayat (African and Arabic) – โ€œBlessing of Godโ€ or โ€œkindnessโ€
  15. Kirabo (African unisex name) – โ€œGift of the Godโ€
  16. Makana (AfricanSwahili and Hawaiian) – โ€œGirl whoโ€™s a gift to the worldโ€ or โ€œrewardโ€
  17. Masego (Southern African – Tswana) – โ€œA blessingโ€
  18. Miesha (African and Arabic) – โ€œGift or blessing of Godโ€ or โ€œalive and wellโ€
  19. Mugisa (African – Ugandan) – โ€œBlessingโ€
  20. Neliah (African) – โ€œGift or present from the townโ€
  21. Nkiru (African) – โ€œThe greatest will comeโ€ or โ€œGod will provide the excellent gift once moreโ€
  22. Olufunke (African) – โ€œGifted from God to be lovedโ€
  23. Oluyomi (African unisex name) – โ€œSent or delivered by Godโ€
  24. Omphile (South African) – โ€œGod gaveโ€ or โ€œgift from Godโ€
  25. Tapiwa (African) – โ€œShe who was given as a giftโ€
  26. Zawadi (AfricanSwahili) – โ€œGiftโ€

 

What African Girl Names Mean Hope?

  1. Asha (African and Arabic) – โ€œHopeโ€
  2. Taraji (AfricanSwahili) – โ€œHopeโ€

 

African Girl Names That Mean โ€œHappinessโ€

  1. Lethabo – Unisex name meaning โ€œrejoiceโ€ or โ€œhappinessโ€
  2. Temwa (African – Senga) – โ€œLove and happinessโ€

 

African Girl Names That Mean โ€œSunโ€

  1. Adita (African and Sanskrit) – โ€œOne who belongs to the sunโ€
  2. Asis (African and Hebrew) – โ€œOf the sunโ€ or โ€œnew wineโ€
  3. Kianga – Name that means โ€œsunโ€ (beams of the sun)
  4. Nomalanga (AfricanZulu) – โ€œSunshine lightโ€ or โ€œbrilliant โ€

 

African Girl Names That Mean โ€œAngelโ€

  1. Malaika (AfricanSwahili) – โ€œAn angel of heavenโ€
  2. Nimeesha – โ€œDearest angel of the Godโ€

 

African Girl Names That Mean Light & Bright

  1. Aberash (Eastern African and Amharic) – โ€œShiningโ€ or โ€œgiving off lightโ€
  2. Dazzline (African and English) – โ€œDazzlingโ€
  3. Lesedi (Southern African – Sesotho) – โ€œBeam of lightโ€ or โ€œray of lightโ€
  4. Liseli (African – Zambia) – โ€œLightโ€
  5. Nuru (African, Aramaic, and Arabic) – โ€œLightโ€
  6. Sanaa (AfricanSwahili) – โ€œRadiance,โ€ โ€œshine above others,โ€ or โ€œluminosity reflected by somethingโ€
  7. Zala (African) – โ€œShine and brightnessโ€ or a name that means โ€œRoseโ€

 

African Girl Names That Mean Love

  1. Adenike (African) – โ€œAffectionate,โ€ โ€œthe crown is loving,โ€ or โ€œcherished crownโ€
  2. Bisa (African) – โ€œGreatly lovedโ€
  3. Charminique (African and English) – โ€œFemale child born out of loveโ€ 
  4. Habika (African) – Pet name for girls meaning โ€œdarling,โ€ โ€œbeloved,โ€ or โ€œsweetheartโ€
  5. Hashiki (AfricanSwahili) – โ€œPassionโ€ 
  6. Hoyam (African and Arabic) – โ€œPassionate loveโ€
  7. Jumoke (African and Egyptian) – โ€œEverybody loves the childโ€ or โ€œloved by allโ€
  8. Kaweria (AfricanKenyan) – โ€œThe loving oneโ€
  9. Kendi (African unisex name) – โ€œOne who is lovedโ€ or โ€œcherishedโ€
  10. Lolovivi (African) – โ€œLove is always thereโ€
  11. Omolara (West African) – โ€œThe loving child of the familyโ€ or โ€œchild born at the right timeโ€
  12. Oratilwe (African) – Pet name for a loved one meaning โ€œdearest and darling oneโ€
  13. Penda (AfricanSwahili and Namibian) – โ€œLoved,โ€ โ€œbeloved,โ€ โ€œadmired,โ€ or โ€œbe braveโ€
  14. Tene (African – Euroba) – โ€œLoveโ€
  15. Thandeka (African) – โ€œThe loved oneโ€
  16. Thandi (AfricanZulu) – โ€œOne who loves deeplyโ€
  17. Thandolwethu (African) – โ€œOur loveโ€

 

African Girl Names Meaning Princess

  1. Adaeze (AfricanIgbo and Nigerian) – โ€œPrincessโ€ or โ€œdaughter of the kingโ€
  2. Jahzara (African) – โ€œBlessed princessโ€
  3. Nkosazana (African – Xhosa) – โ€œPrincessโ€
  4. Shahina (African and Arabic) – โ€œPrincessโ€ or โ€œfalconessโ€ (falcons are associated with royalty)
  5. Sura (African and Arabic) – โ€œPrincess,โ€ โ€œbrave,โ€ or โ€œtraveling by nightโ€
  6. Urbi (African and Egyptian) – โ€œPrincessโ€

 

What African Girl Names Mean Queen?

  1. Rihanna (African and Irish girl name) – โ€œGoddess,โ€ โ€œgreat queen,โ€ or girl plant name meaning โ€œbasilโ€
  2. Thema (African and Egyptian) – โ€œThe queenโ€
  3. Zhenga (South African) – โ€œQueenโ€

 

Favorite African-American Names For Girls

  1. Akilah – โ€œIntelligent and logicalโ€
  2. Ashanti – โ€œAfrican tribe nameโ€
  3. Brianna – โ€œStrong and virtuousโ€
  4. Gabrielle – โ€œWoman of Godโ€
  5. Jendayi – โ€œThankfulโ€
  6. Keisha – โ€œFavoriteโ€
  7. Kimmie – โ€œRock with diamondsโ€
  8. Makena – โ€œHappy oneโ€
  9. Natoya – โ€œOne who can danceโ€
  10. Samiya – โ€œHigh personโ€ or โ€œsublime and nobleโ€
  11. Sarda – โ€œHurriedโ€
  12. Shakini – โ€œThe most beautiful oneโ€
  13. Shanti – โ€œPeaceโ€

 

Northern African Names For Girls

  1. Aicha (African and Arabic) – โ€œAlive and wellโ€
  2. Alheri (North African – Hausa) – Name that means โ€œgraceโ€
  3. Anipe (African and Egyptian) – โ€œDaughter of the Nileโ€
  4. Cleopatra (African, Egyptian, and ancient Greek name) – โ€œGlory of the fatherโ€ 
  5. Khadija (African and Arabic) – โ€œTrustworthyโ€ or โ€œrespectedโ€

 

Southern African Names For Girls

  1. Gugulethu (Southern AfricanZulu and Xhosa) – โ€œTreasureโ€ or โ€œprideโ€
  2. Mbali (AfricanZulu) – โ€œFlowerโ€
  3. Pretoria (African) – Place name in South Africa
  4. Tatenda (Southern African unisex name) – โ€œThank youโ€

 

West African Names For Girls

  1. Ahanti (African – Twi, language in Ghana) – Warrior name meaning โ€œwarlikeโ€
  2. Asabi (African – Yoruban in southwestern Nigeria) – โ€œOne of select birthโ€
  3. Ayoka (African – Yoruban) – โ€œOne who causes joy all aroundโ€
  4. Ghana (African) – โ€œCountry in Africaโ€
  5. Jenue (African) – โ€œFrom the city of Jenue, Nigeria)
  6. Monifa (African – Yoruban) – โ€œLuckyโ€
  7. Nasha (AfricanNigerian and Persian) – โ€œBorn during the rainy seasonโ€ or โ€œjudgeโ€
  8. Niana (African) – Place name after an African city in Mali
  9. Toure (Africa) – โ€œOne who belongs to Soussou (ethnic group in Sierra Leone)โ€

 

East African Names For Girls

  1. Aluna (AfricanKenyan and Hawaiian name) – โ€œCome here,โ€ โ€œapproach,โ€ or โ€œdescentโ€
  2. Busara (AfricanSwahili and Tanzanian) – โ€œWisdom,โ€ โ€œforesight,โ€ โ€œprudence,โ€ or โ€œsenseโ€
  3. Fadiya (AfricanSwahili) – โ€œRedeemerโ€
  4. Faika (AfricanSwahili and Arabic) – โ€œBetterโ€ or โ€œsuperiorโ€
  5. Farashuu (AfricanKenyan) – โ€œButterflyโ€
  6. Hiwot (Eastern African – Amharic) – โ€œLifeโ€ 
  7. Jamelia (African – Somali) – โ€œBeautifulโ€
  8. Jumapili (AfricanKenyan) – โ€œBorn on Sundayโ€
  9. Manica (African) – Place name for a town in Mozambique
  10. Mwassaa (AfricanKenyan) – โ€œEverywhereโ€
  11. Nyokabi (AfricanKenyan) – โ€œOf the Maasai peopleโ€
  12. Sadaka (AfricanSwahili) – โ€œSpiritual offeringโ€
  13. Wokabi (AfricanKenyan) – โ€œSheโ€™s of the Maasaiโ€

 

African & Arabic Girl Names For Muslims

  1. Abla (African – Akan and Arabic) – โ€œGirl born on Tuesdayโ€ or โ€œvoluptuousโ€
  2. Adila (African and Arabic) – โ€œEqual,โ€ โ€œupright,โ€ โ€œhonest,โ€ or โ€œjustโ€
  3. Amani (Arabic, AfricanSwahili, and Indian) – โ€œFaithโ€
  4. Aziza (Hebrew and ArabicSwahili) – โ€œVery preciousโ€
  5. Faizah (African and Arabic) – โ€œVictorious girlโ€
  6. Habiba (African and Arabic) – Pet name for girls meaning โ€œbeloved,โ€ โ€œdarling,โ€ or โ€œsweetheartโ€
  7. Halima (African and Arabic) – โ€œGenerous,โ€ โ€œpatient,โ€ โ€œmild-mannered,โ€ or โ€œgentleโ€
  8. Imani (AfricanSwahili and Arabic) – โ€œFaithโ€
  9. Jamala (AfricanSwahili and Arabic) – โ€œWell-mannered,โ€ โ€œpretty,โ€ or โ€œmoon-facedโ€
  10. Jameelah (African and Arabic) – โ€œChaste woman,โ€ โ€œgraceful,โ€ or โ€œbeautifulโ€
  11. Mehr (African, Arabic, and Iranian) – โ€œBlessingโ€ or โ€œseventh solar monthโ€
  12. Neam (African, Arabic, and Hindi) – โ€œGodโ€™s blessingsโ€
  13. Neema (AfricanSwahili and Arabic) – โ€œBorn in richnessโ€ 
  14. Rashida (AfricanSwahili and Arabic) – โ€œThe righteous oneโ€

 

Uncommon & Rare African Girl Names

  1. Absco (AfricanKenyan) – โ€œOne with an inventive mindโ€ 
  2. Anana (African – Akan) – โ€œFourth childโ€
  3. Genet (AfricanEthiopian) – โ€œParadiseโ€ or โ€œgarden of Edenโ€
  4. Ghalyela (African) – โ€œVery valuableโ€

 

African Nature Names For Girls

  1. Abeba – โ€œFlowerโ€
  2. Aoko – โ€œEvergreen blue treeโ€
  3. Ayana – โ€œPretty and scented flowerโ€ or โ€œflower thatโ€™s forever bloomingโ€
  4. Bikita – โ€œAnteaterโ€
  5. Durah – โ€œPearlโ€
  6. Eega – โ€œPalm bird who loves to flyโ€ 
  7. Floarea – โ€œBlooming flowerโ€
  8. Haracha – โ€œFrogโ€
  9. Hinaa – โ€œMyrtleโ€ 
  10. Jala – โ€œLarge freshwater fishโ€
  11. Jalah – โ€œSmall-leafed wild indigo plantโ€
  12. Kanoni – โ€œLittle birdโ€
  13. Keeya – โ€œFlower of the gardenโ€
  14. Kessie – โ€œLionโ€
  15. Kiho – โ€œFogโ€
  16. Kizzy – โ€œYellow flowerโ€
  17. Kymbre – โ€œDiamond-bearing rockโ€
  18. Loloo – โ€œPearls or gems in the oceanโ€
  19. Lulana – Name that means โ€œmoonโ€ (shining moon) or a โ€œguiding starโ€
  20. Marjani – โ€œCoralsโ€
  21. Marka – โ€œSteady rainโ€
  22. Mesi – โ€œSmokeโ€ or โ€œcloud of fine particlesโ€
  23. Netta – โ€œShrubberies,โ€ โ€œtrees,โ€ or โ€œgateโ€
  24. Nyeki – โ€œRecently grown plantโ€
  25. Palesa – โ€œBeautiful and majestic flowerโ€
  26. Sanura – โ€œKittenโ€
  27. Tawanda – โ€œSlender, young treeโ€
  28. Tisa – โ€œCypress treeโ€
  29. Wangari – โ€œLeopardโ€
  30. Zahra – โ€œFlowerโ€ or โ€œshiningโ€
  31. Zaire – โ€œRiverโ€

 

Short African Girl Names

  1. Ada – โ€œFirst daughterโ€
  2. Bai – โ€œPerson of purityโ€
  3. Bao – โ€œGemโ€
  4. Dayo – โ€œArrival of joyโ€
  5. Deka – โ€œMessenger from heavenโ€
  6. Duni – โ€œSmallโ€ 
  7. Fola – โ€œGlory,โ€ โ€œprestige,โ€ or โ€œhonorable oneโ€
  8. Hidi – โ€œRootโ€
  9. Hija – โ€œDaughterโ€
  10. Kaya – โ€œHomeโ€
  11. Kya – โ€œDiamond in the skyโ€
  12. Lewa – โ€œBeautiful personโ€
  13. Miah – โ€œDearest personโ€
  14. NalaDisney name meaning โ€œlionessโ€ or โ€œlots of waterโ€
  15. Nalo – โ€œMost lovable personโ€
  16. Ni – โ€œBlessingsโ€
  17. Nia – โ€œPurposeโ€
  18. Noma – โ€œFarmerโ€ or โ€œcultivatorโ€
  19. Nya – โ€œCompanionโ€ or โ€œfriendโ€
  20. Ola – โ€œWealthโ€ or โ€œpreciousโ€
  21. Sala – โ€œGentle womanโ€
  22. Zora – โ€œDawnโ€

 

Long African Girl Names

  1. Amarachukwu – โ€œMercy of God,โ€ โ€œdivine grace,โ€ or โ€œGodโ€™s graceโ€
  2. Amogelang – โ€œAcceptโ€ or โ€œreceiveโ€
  3. Avongara – โ€œTo tieโ€
  4. Beheshta – โ€œParadiseโ€
  5. Chidinma – โ€œGod is goodโ€
  6. Debelah – โ€œFriendly and charming personโ€
  7. Dumisani – โ€œHonorable and well-praisedโ€ or โ€œgive praiseโ€
  8. Enzokuhle – โ€œDo goodโ€ or โ€œexpected to do great thingsโ€
  9. Gawahir – โ€œPrecious stones or jewelsโ€
  10. Katlego – โ€œSuccessโ€
  11. Melokuhle – โ€œOne who represents good thingsโ€ or โ€œstand for what is rightโ€
  12. Mukondi – โ€œDancerโ€
  13. Nakimera – โ€œTalent or skills from Godโ€
  14. Nkechinyere – โ€œGod‘s pleasure which came to this worldโ€
  15. Nyathera – โ€œBeing modestโ€
  16. Nyawira – โ€œHard workingโ€
  17. Olajuwan – โ€œExaltation of the triumphโ€
  18. Sarafina – โ€œBright starโ€
  19. Tafadzwa – โ€œWeโ€™re pleasedโ€
  20. Tenesha – โ€œGirl born on a Mondayโ€
  21. Terehasa – โ€œBlessed oneโ€
  22. Tinashe – โ€œGod is always with usโ€ or โ€œbelief in Godโ€
  23. Waitherero – โ€œThe better oneโ€

 

African Versions Of Names From Around The World

  1. Anika (African and Sanskrit) – โ€œGraceful young girlโ€; variant of the Greek name โ€œAnnaโ€
  2. Hana (African, Hawaiian, and Japanese girl name) – โ€œGraciousโ€; variant of โ€œHannahโ€
  3. Ianthe (African and Greek girl name) – โ€œFlower of purple or violet colorโ€
  4. Kataleya (African and Spanish girl name) – โ€œPureโ€; variant of โ€œCattleyaโ€ or โ€œCattleyโ€™s flowerโ€
  5. Okal (African) – โ€œVictory of the peopleโ€; variant of the Greek boy name โ€œNicodemusโ€

 

African Girl Names Based On Birth Date Or Circumstances

  1. Aba – โ€œGirl born on Thursdayโ€
  2. Abena – โ€œGirl born on Tuesdayโ€
  3. Abiba – โ€œFirst baby born after grandmotherโ€™s deathโ€
  4. Abiona – โ€œBorn during a journeyโ€
  5. Abuya – โ€œBorn when the garden was overgrownโ€
  6. Achieng – โ€œBorn during the day timeโ€
  7. Adhiambo – โ€œDaughter born after sunsetโ€
  8. Adjoa – โ€œDaughter bornโ€
  9. Afia – โ€œDaughter born on Fridayโ€; variant of โ€œAfiโ€ or โ€œAfuaโ€
  10. Akello – โ€œGirl born after twinsโ€
  11. Akeyo – โ€œBorn during the harvestโ€
  12. Akia – โ€œFirstbornโ€
  13. Akinyi – โ€œBorn in the morningโ€ or โ€œborn during forenoonโ€
  14. Akosua – โ€œGirl born on Sundayโ€
  15. Akua – โ€œChild born on Thursdayโ€
  16. Akuba – โ€œOne born on Wednesdayโ€
  17. Aluoch – โ€œOne born during an overcast morningโ€
  18. Ama – โ€œChild born on Saturdayโ€
  19. Amondi – โ€œBorn at dawnโ€
  20. Angweng – โ€œOne born during the time of the white antsโ€
  21. Anyango – โ€œOne born during mid-dayโ€
  22. Athiambo – โ€œOne born in the late eveningโ€
  23. Atieno – โ€œOne born at nightโ€
  24. Audi – โ€œThe last daughterโ€
  25. Awino – โ€œOne born with the cord aroundโ€
  26. Awo – โ€œGirl born on Thursdayโ€
  27. Bandele – โ€œBorn away from homeโ€
  28. Chausiku – โ€œOne born at nightโ€
  29. Dubaku – โ€œEleventh childโ€ 
  30. Efia – โ€œOne born on Fridayโ€
  31. Falala – โ€œBorn into abundanceโ€
  32. Hamisi – โ€œOne born on Thursdayโ€
  33. Kayin – โ€œLong-awaited childโ€
  34. Kehinde – โ€œSecond childโ€
  35. Kiden – โ€œGirl born after three boysโ€
  36. Kwamboka – โ€œOne born while crossing a riverโ€
  37. Nafula – โ€œOne born during the rainy seasonโ€
  38. Nomasonto – โ€œOne born on Sundayโ€
  39. Nyambura – โ€œBorn in the rainโ€
  40. Nyanjera – โ€œBorn on the wayโ€
  41. Onnie – โ€œChild born in the divine placeโ€
  42. Otieno – โ€œPerson born at nightโ€
  43. Sisi – โ€œBorn on Sundayโ€
  44. Tanisha – โ€œGirl born on Mondayโ€
  45. Tarana – โ€œGirl born during the dayโ€

 

African Color-Based Names

  1. Afra – โ€œWhiteโ€
  2. Jwahir – โ€œGolden womanโ€
  3. Kaniqua – โ€œBlack dressโ€
  4. Montsho – โ€œBlack-colored personโ€
  5. Neela – โ€œBluish shaded colorโ€
  6. Tale – โ€œGreenโ€
  7. Wamuiru – โ€œDark-skinned beautyโ€
  8. Wamweru – โ€œOne whoโ€™s light-skinnedโ€

 

African Twin Girl Names

  1. Adongo – โ€œSecond of twinsโ€
  2. Apiyo – โ€œFirst of twinsโ€
  3. Banji – โ€œSecond of twinsโ€
  4. Barongo – โ€œYounger twinโ€
  5. Nakato – โ€œTwin born after the firstborn in the familyโ€
  6. Panyin – โ€œOlder twinโ€
  7. Taiwo – โ€œFirst twin to see the worldโ€

 

African Musical Names For Girls

  1. Kora – โ€œStringed instrument with 21 stringsโ€; used extensively in West Africa
  2. Marimba – โ€œPercussion musical instrument with wooden bars struck by malletsโ€
  3. Wambui – โ€œSinger of songsโ€

 

Gender-Neutral African Names

  1. Abungu – โ€œOf the forestโ€
  2. Adwin – โ€œCreative personโ€ or โ€œartistโ€
  3. Amare – โ€œExtremely handsome person sent by God to loveโ€
  4. Chibuzo – โ€œ God is leading the wayโ€
  5. Chidubem – โ€œOne repaired by the Almightyโ€
  6. Chiedozie – โ€œPlanned by Godโ€
  7. Kaikara – โ€œGodโ€™s traditional nameโ€ 
  8. Kione – โ€œFrom nowhereโ€
  9. Luthando – โ€œLove and adorationโ€
  10. Mirembe – โ€œPeaceful natureโ€ or โ€œpeaceful worldโ€
  11. Naiser – โ€œFounder of beliefโ€
  12. Neo – โ€œSkilled oneโ€ or โ€œtalented oneโ€

 

African Girl Names From A To Z

African Girl Names Starting With A

  1. Abebi
  2. Abimbola
  3. Adana
  4. Adanne
  5. Adebowale
  6. Adeola
  7. Adhra
  8. Adisa
  9. Affrica
  10. Afiya
  11. Afolabi
  12. Akachi
  13. Amne
  14. Aparaa
  15. Aphra
  16. Arafa
  17. Arusi
  18. Ayira 
  19. Azana

 

African Girl Names Starting With B

  1. Baako
  2. Baina
  3. Beka 
  4. Binah
  5. Binta 
  6. Bishara

 

African Girl Names Starting With C

  1. Camara
  2. Capria
  3. Chalondra
  4. Cheche
  5. Chikelu
  6. Chikere
  7. Chinelo
  8. Cleotha

 

African Girl Names Starting With D

  1. Dabiku
  2. Dada
  3. Dembe
  4. Desta
  5. Dubaka
  6. Ducha

 

African Girl Names Starting With E

  1. Ebele
  2. Eidi
  3. Ekene
  4. Ekua
  5. Ekundayo
  6. Ellema
  7. Emene
  8. Esiankiki

 

African Girl Names Starting With F

  1. Fadhila
  2. Fahari
  3. Fallon
  4. Fana
  5. Fanaka
  6. Faraja
  7. Fayola
  8. Feechi
  9. Femi
  10. Fisseha
  11. Folami 
  12. Fumnaya
  13. Furaha 

 

African Girl Names Starting With G

  1. Gakeri
  2. Gala
  3. Gamada
  4. Gavivi
  5. Ghanima
  6. Gheche
  7. Gzifa

 

African Girl Names Starting With H

  1. Hadiza
  2. Hagos
  3. Hanuni
  4. Hanzila
  5. Hawla
  6. Hazina
  7. Hiari

 

African Girl Names Starting With I

  1. Ibbie
  2. Ife
  3. Indusa
  4. Ingumba

 

African Girl Names Starting With J

  1. Jahia
  2. Jamilia
  3. Japera
  4. Jariah
  5. Jela
  6. Jetta
  7. Jettie
  8. Jioni 
  9. Jira
  10. Juji
  11. Julene
  12. Julisha
  13. Juza

 

African Girl Names Starting With K

  1. Kabibe
  2. Kabili
  3. Kainda
  4. Kalei
  5. Kalere
  6. Kande
  7. Kanika
  8. Karasi
  9. Karimah
  10. Kaula
  11. Kecia
  12. Keishla
  13. Keita
  14. Kelenna
  15. Kenda
  16. Kenya
  17. Kerubo
  18. Kesin
  19. Kesslee
  20. Kia
  21. Kijana
  22. Kimya
  23. Kinfe
  24. Kioni
  25. Kissa
  26. Kubwa
  27. Kumani
  28. Kunto

 

African Girl Names Starting With L

  1. Laqueta
  2. Ledisi
  3. Leeda
  4. Lehana
  5. Lindiwe
  6. Loba
  7. Loveie
  8. Lu lu 

 

African Girl Names Starting With M

  1. Machupa
  2. Madana
  3. Mandere
  4. Mansa 
  5. Mardea
  6. Marini 
  7. Mashaka
  8. Meleni
  9. Meria
  10. Meron
  11. Messina
  12. Mhina 
  13. Mikenna
  14. Milandu 
  15. Miniya 
  16. Miyanda
  17. Modupe 
  18. Morathi
  19. Mugure
  20. Murigo
  21. Muthoni

 

African Girl Names Starting with N

  1. Naaila
  2. Naataanii
  3. Nafuna 
  4. Nailah 
  5. Naja 
  6. Nakeisha
  7. Naki 
  8. Naserian
  9. Nataki
  10. Nathaara
  11. Nathifa 
  12. Natine
  13. Nduta 
  14. Ngendo
  15. Ngina
  16. Ngozi
  17. Nisar 
  18. Njeri
  19. Njoki
  20. Nkechi
  21. Nkiruka
  22. Nnenia
  23. Nnenna
  24. Nombeko
  25. Nomuula 
  26. Noxolo
  27. Nsombi
  28. Nuzhah
  29. Nyaguthii
  30. Nyah
  31. Nyakio
  32. Nyala
  33. Nyarai
  34. Nyasha
  35. Nyla 
  36. Nyoka

 

African Girl Names Starting With O

  1. Obioma
  2. Ode 
  3. Okapi
  4. Okoth
  5. Oluchi
  6. Olufemi
  7. Omari
  8. Onaedo
  9. Oni
  10. Onika
  11. Ontibile
  12. Onyeka
  13. Onyekachi
  14. Osith

 

African Girl Names Starting With P

  1. Paka
  2. Pamojan
  3. Panya
  4. Peeta
  5. Pemba
  6. Phenyo
  7. Phomell
  8. Pulika

 

African Girl Names Starting With Q

  1. Qalhata
  2. Qbilah
  3. Quanda
  4. Quaneta
  5. Quinteena
  6. Quorella
  7. Qwara

 

African Girl Names Starting With R

  1. Ramla
  2. Raziya 
  3. Rethabil
  4. Rhaxma

 

African Girl Names Starting With S

  1. Saada
  2. Sade
  3. Saidah
  4. Saidi
  5. Salama
  6. Salihah
  7. Sekai
  8. Serwa
  9. Shange
  10. Sharik
  11. Simisola
  12. Sitembileq
  13. Siyanda 
  14. Subira 
  15. Sumana

 

African Girl Names Starting With T

  1. Tabia
  2. Tahira
  3. Takiyah
  4. Taleisha
  5. Tamala 
  6. Tamasha
  7. Tarisai 
  8. Tawia
  9. Tazara
  10. Tendai
  11. Tererai
  12. Teshi 
  13. Thembeka 
  14. Tiaret
  15. Tiassale
  16. Timberly
  17. Tiombe
  18. Titilayo 
  19. Tiwa 
  20. Tokunbo
  21. Tomika
  22. Tumelo 

 

African Girl Names Starting With U

  1. Uheri
  2. Ujana 
  3. Umi
  4. Uvatera
  5. Uzima
  6. Uzuri

 

African Girl Names Starting With V

  1. Vatusia
  2. Venda
  3. Visola

 

African Girl Names Starting With W

  1. Waceera
  2. Wairimu 
  3. Wakiuru 
  4. Walta
  5. Wamuhu
  6. Wangai 
  7. Wangera
  8. Wangu 
  9. Wanja 
  10. Wanjeri
  11. Wanjiku
  12. Wanjiru 
  13. Winda

 

African Girl Names Starting With X

  1. Xhosa
  2. Xinavane
  3. Xola
  4. Xolani

 

African Girl Names Starting With Y

  1. Yakini
  2. Yassah
  3. Yatima
  4. Yihana
  5. Yohance
  6. Yoruba
  7. Yumna

 

African Girl Names Starting With Z

  1. Zalika
  2. Zaya
  3. Zella
  4. Zene
  5. Zhuri
  6. Zina 
  7. Ziraili
  8. Zo
  9. Zoan
  10. Zola
  11. Zuna
  12. Zuwena
  13. Zweena

 

Bonus: Favorite African Baby Boy Names

  • Aadan – โ€œSon of Adamโ€
  • Kofi – โ€œBorn on a Fridayโ€
  • Mikaili – โ€œGod‘s messengerโ€; variant of the angel name โ€œMichaelโ€
  • Rafiki – โ€œA friendโ€ 
  • Russom – โ€œLeaderโ€ or โ€œhead of the chargeโ€

 

Factors To Consider When Choosing African Girl Names

  • Name meaning
  • Pronunciation – African names might not be pronounced the same as similarly spelled English words
  • Length – Many African names are long (though you can always pick a short nickname)
  • Combination with middle and last names – Read aloud your childโ€™s possible full name to check whether it sounds good or not
  • Acronyms – Careful with the resulting acronyms of their names to avoid creating potentially embarrassing combinations such as โ€œASSโ€ or โ€œFATโ€

 

 

Other Resources For Pregnant Moms

 

 

 

– Motherhood Community is reader supported. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More